'Be vigilant, make sure your ballot papers are stamped at the back'

As South Africans vote for the national and provincial elections on Wednesday, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo holds a media briefing to explain how the voting day is progressing.

We have quarantined those ballots, and the affected official has been discharged. The same has happened with the case in Ermelo, the area manager and the deputy presiding officer have been relieved of their duties. Precisely because of the manner in which they managed the transfer of the special voting from the back transferred into the ballot box.

Sy Mamabolo, Chief electoral officer - IEC

He adds that the 17 polling stations that were closed due to disruptions will be opened.

We will assess how the voting process goes, the number of people who have already voted by 9pm, then the commission is empowered in terms of the law to extend voting hours.

Sy Mamabolo, Chief electoral officer - IEC

Mamabolo says the IEC has received complaints in the retail sector that employers refused to make arrangements for voters to go vote.

We have responded and said people need to be mindful that this is a public holiday, voters have a constitutional right to vote.

Sy Mamabolo, Chief electoral officer - IEC

Mamabolo adds that voters need to interrogate their ballot papers.

Be vigilant, make sure your ballot papers are stamped at the back to ensure that your vote counts.